RuneQuest - Roleplaying in Glorantha

Get Started in RuneQuest with beautiful full-color PDF!

RuneQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha is an all-new edition of one of the world’s most influential and acclaimed fantasy roleplaying games. First appearing almost 40 years ago, RuneQuest is as dynamic and vital as ever. This all-new, deluxe edition introduces RuneQuest and its setting of Glorantha to new players everywhere.

Try out a skill-based percentile system that balances experience-based progression with deadly combat!

The core rules of RuneQuest are essential for players and gamemasters, as they contain all the rules for character creation, starting homelands, background history, professions, skills, starting Runes and magic, and the cults and gods whose influence will define your character’s activities. Further, the rules for character advancement are contained here, for the times between adventures.

An RPG with a difference

RuneQuest is part of Chaosium’s D100 Basic Roleplaying system. It is intuitive and easy to play: virtually all rolls determining success or failure of a task are determined via the roll of percentile dice.

RuneQuest has no character classes or alignments; characters are defined by their culture, the gods they follow, and the Runes that inspire them.

Nor does the RuneQuest system use levels; instead, characters advance in skills and abilities by using them in course of play. Anyone can try to pick a lock, cast a spell, or decipher some ancient runic script.

Combat in RuneQuest is exciting, immersive, visceral and always potentially deadly; players should be mindful even the lowliest trollkin can take out an experienced warrior with a lucky blow.

Players will want this book to create their unique characters, diving into sorcery, picking their cult, or taking up shamanism to converse with mysterious spirits.

Gamemasters need this book, as it contains the core rules for the game, including task resolution, combat, and damage, as well as guidelines for special situations in combat, such as formations and chariots. These core rules are designed to be used in conjunction with the upcoming Glorantha Bestiary and the RuneQuest Gamemaster Pack and Screen.

Here are some useful downloads that are included with your purchase:

RuneQuest Glorantha Character Sheet

Character Background Worksheet

Holdings/Family/Allies sheet

Glorantha Bestiary Sample

For gamemasters wanting to jump right in, the RuneQuest Quickstart contains a complete adventure suitable for new characters, and we have included a preview of monsters and creatures from the Glorantha Bestiary provides a few classic creatures.

Have you played Call of Cthulhu? You will pick up RuneQuest in no time thanks to our Basic Roleplaying System!

Take the battle to the foul minions of chaos!

Two Rules to Remember

You might be getting the feeling that with multiple editions and more than 40 years of existence, that RuneQuest and Glorantha are big! And they are. But Bigger than you can manage? A steep wall that can’t be climbed? Nothing could be further from the truth!

Over the years, Glorantha has existed in many incarnations — roleplaying games, boardgames, computer games, fiction, etc. — and many inconsistencies have crept in, or been deliberately introduced. That’s a good thing! Myths have many versions, and the mythic world of Glorantha is no different, with wildly divergent beliefs about how the world works, how history played out, the influence of groups and individuals, etc. This perfectly sets the stage for you, whether a player or gamemaster, to determine your own vision of the world and how things work for you and your fellow players.

Two important principles have developed among fans of the setting, and should always be kept in mind:

Your Glorantha May Vary — This is the belief that you and your group are ultimately the ones who decide what the world is like. You can use or ignore published materials, change them as desired, and introduce your own elements to Glorantha. Think of it like a buffet: you can take what you want and leave the rest. Combine things to suit your own taste. You know better than anyone else what works for you.

Maximum Game Fun — If an aspect of your game is fun, that’s a good thing. If something is not fun, whether it’s rules lawyering or excessive attention to background, then ignore it or de-emphasize it. The point of playing this game — or any other — is enjoyment, and anything that stands in the way of that experience should be carefully rejected.

This new edition has been explicitly written with the goal of approachability, reaching out to new players and gamemasters as well as returning fans, making sure that the game line remains vital and engaging for everyone.

These rules are backward-compatible with the previous versions of RuneQuest from Chaosium and the scenarios

Are you a fan of old-school RuneQuest? Use RuneQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha to augment your current campaign.

Want to keep playing the classics with the new rules? Take advantage of our conversion guide, also included in the core rulebook.

Heroes take cross generations. The Old (Rurik) Meets the New (Vasana)

Order your copy today of this 446-page epic and begin your journey in Glorantha today!

It wouldn't be RuneQuest without Runes, now would it?

Why is this PDF so dang expensive. They can keep it for that price, I just wanted the core book, I always hated the Glorantha setting anyhow. Besides I want a printed hardback version.

Rick MSeptember 20, 2018 7:03 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

The printed hardback goes on sale on chaosium.com as of 21/09/2018.

CHRISTOPHER RNovember 15, 2018 5:35 pm UTC

Just play a different setting then?

Peter SAugust 08, 2018 2:42 pm UTC

There is NO WAY I am paying $28 for a PDF... Nope...Not going to do it.

Rick MSeptember 20, 2018 7:01 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

If 100 page PDFs are worth $7, we feel a 450 page PDF is worth less than 4 times that.

Peter SOctober 08, 2018 5:51 pm UTC

$15 for the Mythras PDF:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/191475/Mythras
I bought that...

Peter SOctober 10, 2018 2:12 pm UTC

If you guys put out some combo of buy the hard cover and get a PDF (where the PDF add on doesn't cost me $28), I would really consider that. Is that option available?

Peter SOctober 10, 2018 2:21 pm UTC

Nevermind, I just figured it out and ordered the hard copy and pdf.

Robert RJuly 29, 2018 3:32 am UTC

I noticed that the Glorantha slip case titles use US/imperial measures (miles, yards, pounds...) but the RQ main book still uses metric. Being from the US I would have liked to finally see a RQ core book US/Imperial version ( I don't care for converting - some measures are far different and uncommon to me). That said, this new RQ product series is truly remarkable and I plan to get it. Can't afford the slip case right now but WOW - it's ALL in there and it's beautiful. Exceptional work!!

I read a review recently by Andrew Logan Montgomery that gave me the impression that the game was missing key components. I have purchased this as well as The Bestiary and System Agnostic Setting Sourcebook. Is this enough material to play the game, or is the forthcoming GM pack a must have?

I'm new to the setting and am unsure of what Heroquesting is but apparently, the rules for it are not in this tome. It sounds pretty important.

Michael OSeptember 20, 2018 7:29 am UTC

PUBLISHER

You have everything you need to play! The GM Screen Pack is not a must have, but does deliver a lot for the price - it's more than just a screen: 128 page Adventures book, reference charts, maps, calendar, character sheets etc.

The Heroquesting rules will be in a forthcoming title. The are eagerly anticipated, but RQ has been around since 1978 without them.

Daniel CJuly 18, 2018 12:54 pm UTC

I didn't see it asked below, but if we purchase the .pdf will the eventual hard copy be offered at a reduced price?

Blaine SJuly 18, 2018 4:33 pm UTC

That's the case purchasing from their website. I don't know if it applies here or not.

Michael OSeptember 20, 2018 7:30 am UTC

PUBLISHER

That is only for PDF purchases direct from Chaosium.com.

Daniel S GJuly 10, 2018 9:12 pm UTC

My initial thoughts, having looked at the RQG quick-start rules, is that I wish the resistance table was gone, like Chaosium did with CoC7, and I wish we could use combat special effects like RQ6 to make combat more than just whittling down hit-points, but then I suppose that would be too cheeky since that's Design Mechanism's thing now. Glad ducks will be available once the Bestiary comes out. Are there any plans to update classics like Apple Lane and Griffin Mountain to the latest RQG rules?

Daniel S GJuly 10, 2018 9:15 pm UTC

Also, any plans for solo adventures like the two Chaosium has put out for CoC7?

Michael OSeptember 20, 2018 7:32 am UTC

PUBLISHER

Apple Lane features prominently in the new RQ Gamemaster Screen Pack, which includes a 128 page book of adventures. Apple Lane is a locus for these scenarios.

James LJuly 10, 2018 3:29 pm UTC

I always thought CoC7 looked amazing, and browsing the preview of this I see that Chaosium's recent design/layout/artwork continue to improve and amaze even more!

Daniel S GJuly 10, 2018 9:08 pm UTC

I agree. It's like D&D 5e raised the bar on the whole industry to reimagine, streamline, and beautify a venerable product, and Chaosium really followed suit with CoC7 and RQG.

June 29, 2018 7:20 pm UTC

I like this RuneQuest edition A LOT. And I agree wholeheartedly with whoever wrote this review here:

The book is very well made, but I found some errors and even a gamebreaker or two.

The description of the shaman abilities which boost attack and defense with spells refers to the fetch being added, which is not among the bonuses a fetch confers (there is a paragraph about that). That the shaman abilities have no stacking limit is technically gamebreaking. I already know to what lengths players will go for substantial advantages, and getting +25 or even +50 on the attack table is not good. That he was given multispell in form of spell barrage is also debatable.
The sorcery spell "steal breath" not only tries to suffocate the target, he also produces 1d6 mana per round out of air (literally) for 5 minutes, costing 2 MP to cast. That one has to be an error. Unlimited mana sounds like a bad idea to me and has little to do with what the spell used to do. As written, it allows a sorcerer to run around all day (= 12 hours) with a weapon that ignores 6 points of armor and does an additional...See more 2d6 damage.

The content is oriented on Glorantha and it's cultures. The generic tables and cults from the 3rd edition handbook are replaced by those of Glorantha. A lot of the Gods of Glorantha box made it into the cults and spell section. There are colored maps of the regions and a short description what is found there. It is really just a quick overview for the players and does not replace a region book. The maps each take one page and look pretty professional.
There is a new section about runes and passions, which were not present in former rule-sets. The whole thing looks complex and needs a close second reading, because it touches several aspects of the game mechanics. It seems to grant large bonuses under somewhat limited yet flexible circumstances (e.g. +20 when defending your temple's interests). It looks like something the GM better has to keep in check. There is a german RPG (Das schwarze Auge) which has negative attributes like greed or fear of undead. Passions take a similar role and can dictate the actions of the character under the right circumstances. In the book "Shogun" Uraga advises Blackthorn to let all of his new men spit on a cross, since a christian agent among them would never do so. That would translate into a passion in this system, and a player with a loyalty (cult) of 80+ would give himself away most of the time under such circumstances. The mechanics form an aid to visualize your character and how he would act. The idea is interesting, but I want to see it in action before I can judge it.
The magic systems have undergone some changes. Spirit magic is still pretty much what it was, except that the shaman is now very powerful. Divine magic was made more accessible, but limited in how much ammo a caster can have. Sorcery was tweaked and the manipulation skills are gone. The replacement is too complex to judge it after a glance. The main change is that sorcerer spells take longer to cast than all others (1 round plus your SR plus 2 SR per additional MP, taking easily 2-3 rounds per spell). I was curious how they would tackle the problem of enchantments, but they avoided the issue by leaving the critical ones out. Maybe they will do something about it, if there ever is a magic book. Technically it isn't required, but who knows...there were spells in some of the old books (viking, ninja) that are missing still, as are some others (create familiar/basilisk/etc., immortality).

The layout, coloring and artwork are good to excellent, in a distinctive style. The tables are easy to read and I like their layout very much. The index takes 7 pages and lists all the spells, too, besides the various themes of the book. The whole thing is streamlined and well ordered. There are many short examples in the text to illustrate the rules. that is good, but I would have liked some for the more complex stuff, which got none.

Hopefully they will put some corrections into the printed version (see above). But the errors are content based and have little to do with the spelling. All in all this could be an excellent incarnation of the game, as it is close to the 3rd edition, which I liked best.

Aaron MJune 12, 2018 5:29 pm UTC

Is there a print version planned or available? I didn't see the option on the Chaosium site either. Thanks!

Thomas LJune 12, 2018 9:50 pm UTC

Of course there’s going to be a print version of the book “later”. If you want to keep abreast on anything related to this new and exciting incarnation of RuneQuest, you might want to subscribe to Chaosium’s RQ:RiG newsletter at http://eepurl.com/dtqE9T

They’ve just announced that the Glorantha Bestiary will be released in July as a PDF first, with a print version following later this year.

Michael OSeptember 20, 2018 7:33 am UTC

PUBLISHER

The print version of the RQG core rules is due for release on September 21st from Chaosium.com. The print versions of the Bestiary and GM Screen Pack will be out later in 2018.

Evan MJune 07, 2018 9:15 pm UTC

PURCHASER

So what are the differences between this and Mythras? Obviously the artwork (looks great btw), but what are the differences in the skills, rules, etc...?

Rick MJune 07, 2018 9:30 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

While RuneQuest and Mythras are similar, in that they are both D100 systems, they are also very different in many small ways, especially the magic systems and character creation since RuneQuest is designed for Glorantha and Mythras is setting neutral. A full list of the differences would be lengthy. There are a number of lengthy reviews that speak to most of the differences, but I'm not sure DTRPG wants us to post links. A quick google search would find you what you are looking for.

Thomas LJune 07, 2018 10:20 pm UTC

When we met at this year’s Eternal Con, after having skimmed trough a preliminary copy, I asked Jeff why you guys would put in a conversion guide for RQ2/3 only, and left out its more recent incarnation(s). His answer amounted to yours, in that all the small differences made a big difference after all. Now, after having thoroughly read through RQ:RiG, I fully concur, *because I felt right at home with it.* This is the look and feel of the RQ of old as I remember it.

I have fond memories of playing through the Pavis & the Big Rubble and the River of Cradles campaigns in the late 90s/early 2000s. RQ:RiG inspired me to dig out my old character, a shaman, and try to bring him up to date — a fun experience so far, combined with a nice trip down memory lane. But after all, I might just reinvent him and his rabble of bound spirits using the new rules; given that there’s no more Free INT, and that the rules for creating characters, fetches, and spirits all changed in favor of improved results....See more />

Thomas LJune 07, 2018 9:06 pm UTC

This is by far the best version of RuneQuest, and ye gods, it comes in a beautiful, *beautiful* book. The artwork is STUNNING, it really conveys the mythical feeling of the game world Glorantha.

As far as rule books come, this one is extremely well organized, well written, and a pleasure to read. The actual integration of runes as meaningful stats for characters is a nice touch after 30+ years since RQ3, and feels as natural as a duck taking to water. ;)

This book has a very high production value, I can hardly wait for the print version to be published.

(Bought it on Chaosium’s website; 5 stars from me)

Pierre SJune 07, 2018 1:34 am UTC

A special message for those who are used to only D&D. You'll like the rules basis of RuneQuest (Basic RolePlaying system). Characters all have a list of skills, no fixed classes but you decide the skills or groups of skills you want to develop. Skill rolls are percentile-based. Some skills have a high base chance if anyone can try them. The d% roll comes with degrees of success, or failure, or fumble.
There are multiple magic systems, still handled with d% rolls and magic points. Small low-power spells can be jacked up to powerful spells with more practice.
Monsters have the same sheets as PCs but possibly fewer Characteristics to worry about.
Pick up the free sample today.

Chad KJune 01, 2018 10:30 pm UTC

But can you be a Duck?

André JJune 02, 2018 11:15 am UTC

With the upcomig GLORANTHA BESTIARY you will be able to do so.
A 16 pages preview of that book (including an abriged version of the ducks) is available for free!

Nicholas LJune 03, 2018 1:44 am UTC

A 16 pages preview of that book (including an abriged version of the ducks) is available for free!

So the Durulz are not playable from the core but what about the other Elder Races?

Darcy HJune 15, 2018 5:00 am UTC

Asking the real questions.

Michael OSeptember 20, 2018 7:37 am UTC

PUBLISHER

The RQG core rulebook is for human adventurers. The RQG Bestiary includes various non-human species for use as player character adventurers, including elves, dwarfs, centaurs, dark trolls and great trolls, baboons, ducks, dragonewts, Men-and-a-half, trollkin, and Wolfbrothers, complete with their professions, cults, and magic.

Simon BJune 01, 2018 7:40 pm UTC

PURCHASER

There is an unpleasant pig sacrifice image on p. 268. Personally, I would now like to have the option of a no art version.

David SJune 04, 2018 4:57 pm UTC

For those that haven’t bought this book, be aware that this full page, full colour image contains no blood, injury or mutilation of the pig of any kind.

Leon PJune 04, 2018 10:48 pm UTC

Also it’s a great bit of artwork

Jarad CJune 05, 2018 1:35 am UTC

LOL some people

Jean-Francois BJune 05, 2018 7:57 pm UTC

"The Broos want to befriend your character, do you accept (Y/N)?"

Rory HJune 06, 2018 7:19 am UTC

Should we be assured that no pigs were harmed in the making of this book?

Nick EJune 08, 2018 3:28 pm UTC

Does that include eating them?

James GJuly 26, 2018 1:34 pm UTC

Good grief.... grow up man.

Fabio SJune 01, 2018 7:19 pm UTC

PURCHASER

One question: how much of the "lore" material (if any) overlaps with what's already covered by "The Glorantha Sourcebook" and "Guide to Glorantha"?

Thomas LJune 07, 2018 9:39 pm UTC

In RQ:RiG, a sufficient amount of Dragon Pass lore (e.g., descriptions of its major regions, as well as recent historical events) is presented, which is used mainly in the creation of human characters hailing from this core region of Glorantha.

The Glorantha Sourcebook — besides being a good read and also featuring top-notch, beautiful artwork — provides a much broader background on the world, cosmology and history of Glorantha. It is meant to be a system-agnostic source and it dovetails nicely with the newer core rule book.

The new RuneQuest Roleplaying in Glorantha by Chaosium is an incredible product. Blessed with fantastic artwork, lovely layout and writing that could only come from the heart of someone who truly, absolutely loved the setting, reading RuneQuest was a [...]

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